To Challenge a Maestro Read online

  Daniel followed Tim and the three Talenteds to the chuck wagon and filled his plate with pancakes. No one inquired where Daniel had learned the Death spell and it was just as well that they had not, because he was not sure himself.

  The conversation was light while they ate, sitting in a semi-circle on the ground a short distance from the chuck wagon. Tim stayed quiet; Sherree seemed lost in her thoughts, speaking only when Jerremy or Samuel spoke to her. The two male Talenteds once again appeared to be at odds with each other. Apparently, this was normal behavior for them.

  Tensions ran high in the camp. The death spell had truly frightened everyone. The soldiers kept there distance from Daniel, few coming within ten strides of him, and they were constantly glancing in his direction. Their eyes held wariness mixed with respect and every glance seemed to inspire them to greater efficiency.

  Tallen approached and came to a stop before the group just as Daniel took the last bite of pancake. “We will be picking up the pace today. I will get you to Aakadon by evening,” the general informed confidently. He must have something special in mind; the horses in full gallop would have difficulty meeting that pace.

  “Thank you,” Daniel replied, feeling guilty. Each and every person around him could have died, dead as the oak he had killed earlier.

  “No need to thank me,” Tallen replied. “It is my opportunity to help you. I just hope the Maestros know how to break the link.”

  “You and me, both,” Tim interjected into the conversation.

  “Of course they can,” Jerremy said defensively, paused as if giving the matter some thought, and then added, “I’m sure the Grand Maestro can.”

  Daniel wished he could be so sure. Aakadon seemed to be the only way out of his present tangle. Like mountaineers before him, he would do what must be done, one way or another he would be free.

  Breakfast ended, camp broken, and the cavalry was on the move. They headed south on the main trail. Tim made an obvious effort to keep the conversation light and the Talenteds spoke of life in Aakadon. Daniel could hear the fondness they held for the city, the place they called, home, but their lives were more complicated than the existence Daniel knew. The Accomplisheds sounded little better than Tarin Conn where ego was concerned. Wielding potential could be a heady experience, to feel power flowing through your being, and focusing that energy to accomplish your will. It was no wonder so many had difficulty with humility. Terroll Barnes showed no signs of a big head, although Daniel had to admit, he did not know the man in any other way except as a teacher and musician.

  By the way the Talenteds spoke of him, Efferin Tames sounded worse of all; a tenacious seeker of power who not only attained it, but who knew how to keep it. How can such a man be trusted? Tarin Conn’s description of the Grand Maestro was not much different than what the Talenteds were saying about him. Prudence dictated that extreme caution is used when it came time to deal with the supreme leader of Aakadon.

  Glancing skywards, Daniel felt the gentle warmth of the sun on his shoulders, and noted the white clouds drifting leisurely across the azure blue. The pleasant weather went a long way in improving temperaments and lifting the spirits of everyone in the entourage. The soldiers were less jittery, though still kept glancing at Daniel, and he could not blame them. Dumb fate was the only reason a tree had been killed instead of them. Sherree rode beside Sprinter and spoke seldom, though she kept looking at Daniel like a mother watching over a sick child.

  “You don’t have to worry about me casting spells in my sleep,” Daniel told her.

  “How do you know?” she asked, so quickly it was obvious what had been pressing on her mind.

  “I was trying to kill Tarin Conn and learned something, at great pain; my efforts have no effect in the dream world. The Dark Maestro formed the connection so he is in control,” Daniel explained, while ducking his head to avoid a low hanging branch. “Since I now know the spells I cast while asleep can harm people around me, I’ll not summon the potential.”

  Sherree nodded her acceptance of the explanation, but still had a worried look on her face. “I hope you can refrain, otherwise the Accomplisheds might shield off your potential.”

  “They can do that?” Daniel wondered out loud.

  Jerremy drew rein and slowed Banner to match pace with Sprinter. Clearly the Serinian had been listening to the conversation. “If they use enough potential in the shield,” he confirmed. He did seem to have been giving the matter some thought, as though the possibility concerned him. “Even a one-bolt, with the use of a crescendo, should be able to shield off a Talented.”

  “I didn’t realize such a thing was possible,” Daniel admitted, although he doubted anyone less than a four-bolt could shield off his potential, even with aid of a crescendo.

  None of the spells taught to him by Terroll were capable of shielding off another Aakacarn’s potential, which meant doing so had to be done with a specialized Melody; probably belonging to the Eagle Guild. Daniel tuned out the conversation taking place around him and concentrated inward. Random notes came together in a simple melody including a six string chorded rhythm, and somehow he knew this Melody would actually shield off potential. The composition seemed to come from himself, like his memory spell had, though it could have been sent by Tarin Conn through the link. Daniel was not overly concerned about the origin of the tune, especially since it might just come in handy in a city full of Aakacarns.

  After two and a half marks into the journey, the blue tinted water of the Gosian River came into view. Boats sailed up and down the large waterway, passing other craft docked along the banks. An officer, Lieutenant Benettle, of the Royal Cavalry, stood talking to the captain of the largest boat, one with two masts and twenty oars on each side. General Tallen joined them, had a brief conversation, there was some head nodding, and then a glint of light sparkled off a fist full of coins falling from the commanding officer’s hand into that of the captain.

  Lieutenant Benettle swung up into his saddle and trotted his horse to a stop several strides from Sprinter. “General Tallen has booked passage for you five, himself, and fifty volunteers,” he stated crisply, like he would to a superior officer. “The river is the fastest way into Aakadon.”

  “Thank you,” Samuel replied to him, smiling, then glanced at Jerremy before adding, “I’m glad some people see the need for haste.”

  General Tallen trotted his Taracopian war horse up the hill and came to a stop beside Misty. He glanced at Sherree and the other two Talenteds and then addressed Daniel. “I had hoped to escort you to Aakadon with a full compliment. However, the seriousness of your problem warrants the quickest route possible. Captain Lenaev of the Jennaeva has agreed to transport us and fifty horsemen to Aakadon.”

  “Thank you,” Daniel replied, formally, though he failed to see the need for an honor guard, and as for reaching the final destination; the sooner the better. “Your generosity is beyond kind, certainly more than this mountaineer deserves.”

  “Nonsense, I’ll not hear such words,” Tallen replied, he seemed bent on giving honor where he thought it warranted. “You are a loyal Ducaunan and much more. Now come, our transportation awaits,” he added and urged his stallion down toward the riverboat.

  Daniel shrugged his shoulders and decided to let them honor him if they felt like it, they seemed bent on doing so no matter what he told them. He heeled Sprinter in the flanks and followed after the general. Tim, along with the Talenteds and fifty horsemen, one of which was Lieutenant Benettle, filed in behind.

  The Jennaeva proved to be much larger than it had appeared from a distance. The captain sported a dark brown beard, no mustache, a blue coat and white breeches. Most of his crew was wearing loose gray clothing and many of them were shirtless. Tallen dismounted and led his horse up the plank, motioning for Daniel to do the same, and nodded when he saw his directions were being followed; a man very much accustomed to being obeyed Tallen was.

  Sprinter hesitated over the narrow boards connecting
the dock with the boat and Daniel had to coax him up the ramp; the horse had faced howling yetis with greater ease. Tim had similar trouble getting Tremor aboard, but the Talenteds and the fifty horsemen had no trouble at all; evidently their steeds were accustomed to water travel. Daniel figured these volunteers had probably drawn the short straws in their platoons, he could not imagine them wanting to spend any more time near him than necessary, but some of them actually smiled at him. Maybe they really did consider escorting him to be an honor.

  Captain Lenaev shouted orders and the vessel launched down river. The crew was looking crossly at the horses, probably not pleased at the prospect of cleaning up after them. The Aakacarns received more stares than the horses or anyone else. Sherree being female had nothing to do with it; there was no lechery in their eyes, what they had was cautious fear of all three. The sailors seemed to dismiss Daniel and Tim as being of no interest. Seeing men in buckskins was a common enough occurrence along the river where trappers and mountaineers frequented. Daniel smiled. It felt good to be around people who were not afraid of him.

  A cool breeze offset the heat of the afternoon sun. The Jennaeva gained speed as the vessel approached where the Gosian merged with the Tannakonna River. Swirling water rocked the boat like a toy. The horses grew restless and Tim slid across the deck on his backside to a chorus of snickering from the crew. Daniel was busy trying to stay on his feet and keep a firm hold on Sprinter, which served to stabilize him and comfort the stallion at the same time. The waters calmed, the Jennaeva slowed, and they continued down river at a more comfortable rate. The journey back up the river, even tacking against the wind, would be challenging, a situation in which the oars would come in handy.

  “If you thought that was rough,” Lenaev said, with a smile directed at Tim, who had just made his way back across the deck. “Wait till we meet the mighty Hirus.”

  Daniel cringed at the thought, thinking of all the pancakes he had eaten at breakfast, the ride would not have bothered him a bit otherwise. It seemed best to put his mind on something else. The link between him and Tarin Conn came to mind and it was a snarl to be untangled. Random notes began to filter up through his soul and a melody formed, but something about it was lacking. He knew instinctively the spell would be inadequate. Seemingly original compositions flowed from a source he could not fathom. Was the Dark Maestro tormenting him with false spells, keeping full knowledge out of his grasp? The possibility existed. Daniel knew one thing for sure; the ancient Aakacarn knew the source.

  The captain and crew kept a close watch for rocks and river pirates; though only fools would attack a boat transporting Aakacarns, battle hardened soldiers, and mountain men, who as a group are known throughout Ducaun as experts with the bow and knife. In this case; one mountain man with a bow, Tim, because Daniel chose not to bring his, but he did have his knife. In any case, this was not a group to be messed with.

  “You’re scowling like a condemned man on the way to the gallows,” Sherree informed him. “Don’t worry. I’m sure the Maestros can help. We’re making the journey in record time, the link will be gone, and you will be free of the Dark Maestro.”

  Daniel had not realized he was scowling, though was not surprised, thinking of Tarin Conn and the link no doubt had that effect on him. Her words were appreciated, obviously meant to give comfort. But Daniel had almost as much misgivings about meeting Efferin as he did any member of the Serpent Guild. It might not be a fair comparison, but that was how he felt, and that was all he had to go on; his instincts. He forced himself to smile. “I hope you’re right.”

  Before anyone could speak, the Jennaeva lurched forward at twice the speed achieved at the merging of the Gosian and the Tannakonna rivers. Everyone grabbed something to hold onto. Sherree chose the nearest thing to her, Daniel, who chose Sprinter. Ahead lay the rapid waters of the mighty Hirus. The captain and crew were well seasoned and the vessel plunged through without taking damage. The waters calmed somewhat compared to before but the Jennaeva was traveling swiftly in the current, which was where the word, mighty, comes in whenever a person talks about the Hirus River. Sherree released Daniel, wiped imaginary wrinkles from her silks, and went over to talk to the other Talenteds without saying a word. Tim had managed to keep his feet.

  Daniel went to the bow, leaned against the railing, and lost track of time. On the horizon were huge towers spiraling upward at impossible angles. Others curved and sloped smoothly like giant sculptures. Clouds, like massive cotton balls, had their bellies scratched by huge cylinder-shaped buildings of onyx and opal. He squinted his eyes; the colorful city was so bright. Aakadon seemed to be made of every precious stone he had ever heard of, and some he had no idea what they were other than beautiful. A tower of sparkling pure sapphire stood beside one of emerald. In the center of the immense city was a massive pyramid seemingly made of thousands upon thousands of rubies, on the very top of which was a huge diamond in the shape of an eye. It took Daniel several minutes to realize his mouth was open and to quickly close it. The late afternoon sky gave way to twilight. General Tallen had done it; they would be in Aakadon by evening.

  Even the Talenteds stared glassy-eyed at the marvelous city, one that had been their home for years, a place that still clearly filled them with awe. Tim stood transfixed with his mouth wide open, so Daniel did not feel so bad about his own reaction. Neither Jerremy nor Samuel had come close in their descriptions of Aakadon. The Aakacarn city was without dispute the most beautiful man-made site in the world.

  Watercraft of every sort, from fishing boats to freighters, maneuvered to and fro. Captain Lenaev had to wait for ten boats to have their turn at the busy docks before he could find a place to put in, and then had to wait half as much time again to obtain permission from the port authority to allow all passengers to disembark.

  The dock hands, six assigned to the Jennaeva, wore the same immaculate white silk outfits as Sherree, Samuel, and Jerremy. One of the six, a heavy set boy with light brown hair, pink complexion, and a pug nose, glowed a bright crimson and focused on the broad plank. The extra wide beam floated upward and over into place, bridging the gap between dock and boat. Captain and crew backed away as if wanting nothing to do with the Talenteds, the ones on and off the docks, the Ducaunans made no attempt to disguise their dislike for spell casting, which was no surprise.

  General Tallen mounted his stallion and signaled everyone else to do the same. “Daniel, will you ride beside me?” he said, although his request sounded very much like an order.

  It was time to be honored. Even this backwoods mountaineer knew the time had come for him to go through whatever custom they had in mind, and was glad it would be brief, thank the Creator. Daniel cleared his thoughts, mounted up, and guided Sprinter to stand beside the Taracopian warhorse, and then disembarked in step with the general.

  All eyes were on him. People had to wonder why a buckskin clad Ducaunan was being escort by such a high dignitary. Daniel looked at them looking at him and decided what they thought did not amount to a pile of saw dust at his father’s work table. He focused on the general and brought Sprinter to a stop following the officer’s example. They waited while the others disembarked. Tim and Sherree came ashore riding their horses, followed by Samuel and Jerremy. Lieutenant Benettle and a beefy corporal Daniel had seen around but did not know, came next, followed by the rest of the horseman. The general and all of his men saluted Daniel and he awkwardly returned it.

  Standing on the dock a short distance away was a man with skin the color of ebony. His red on black silks identified him as an Accomplished, two golden lightning bolts on each shoulder indicated his potential, and a diamond covered Z on his belt buckle identified his guild affiliation. On his right middle finger was a ring with a golden Z in the center. He smiled broadly and there was a definite glint of merriment in his eyes.

  “Terroll,” Daniel called out, and then dismounted and rushed over to shake hands.

  The Accomplished of the Zephyr Guild met him half w
ay, taking his hand in a firm grip. “Greetings, my friend, I am gladdened that you have chosen to come to us,” he said, and then his eyes widened when he looked at Tim.

  The three Talenteds came forward and bowed low before Terroll, Jerremy looked particularly humbled. “Greetings Maestro, how may we serve?” they asked in unison.

  Terroll frowned at each one of them, his gaze lingering the longest on the Serinian. “You can serve yourselves better by paying more attention to people you encounter while traveling.”

  Daniel had no idea what the Maestro meant by the remark, but the Talenteds seemed to understand completely when they replied, “Yes Maestro,” as if thoroughly reprimanded.

  A one-bolt Accomplished came up and stood next to the four-bolt wearing similar clothing, naturally. He also wore a medallion with a Z, though he wore no ring and his belt buckle was gold with no guild affiliation symbol. “You must be the one I have heard so much about,” he said to Daniel without having been introduced. How did he know Tim was not the one he had heard so much about, and who did all the telling? Daniel must have registered the question on his face because the Accomplished went on to say, “My students have been keeping me informed of current events, including your mishap with a tree. By the way, I am Jason Renn, Lead Instructor and head of Tames Hall.”

  Daniel eyed Sherree askance. How did she and the other two communicate with Jason, and why? They were supposed to be his friends, or so he had thought.

  “General Tallen, we thank you for bringing this promising young Potential safely to Aakadon,” Terroll said in a courteous manner.

  The senior officer cleared his throat. “I am honored by the privilege. Queen Cleona has high expectations for him, as do I,” he replied, and then turned to face his honoree. “Daniel, I know you will do our kingdom proud. Take care and do well.”

  “I’ll do my best,” Daniel replied, and shook hands with the general.